An Assessment of the Guidance and Counselling Programme in Secondary Schools at Mzilikazi District in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province

Abstract

This study sought to assess the Guidance and CounsellingProgrammeinMzilikazi District situatedof the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which Guidance and Counselling services prepare secondary school students to achieve social, personal and academic development and make informed career decisions compatible with their individual needs and abilities. Schools were mandated to provide and direct adolescent learners away from participating in anti-social behaviours such as drug and alcohol abuse, prostitution and irresponsible sexual behaviours such as the spread of HIV/AIDS pandemic, homosexuality, gangsterism, violence, and truancy. A descriptive survey was chosen for this study. Survey questionnaires with closed and open-ended questions and semi-interview guides were used to solicit views, perceptions and opinions on the benefits of Guidance and CounsellingProgrammes. A population of 6000 students and 150 teachers was divided into categories through stratified random sampling. One hundred students, thirty teachers and five heads of secondary schools participated in the study. The study revealed that 80% of the secondary schools in Mzilikazi District had not yet complied with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Educationon the implementation of the programme. Lack of qualified teachers, stationary, books and relevant facilities like counselling rooms were found to be major barriers inhibiting the implementation of Guidance and Counselling services. The findings also revealed that most of the students are ignorant of the existence of such services which could be the major cause of high rates of delinquency, truancy, alcohol and drug abuse and teenage pregnancies. Therefore, the study concluded that secondary students have not benefited from the programme. Recommendations made include that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should provide adequate resources before considering the implementation of Guidance and CounsellingProgramme in schools.